Battery Technology

EVs Just Got Cheaper Than Gas Cars in the U.S. – But Don’t Blink

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This summer, something wild happened: EVs in the U.S. dipped below the price of gas cars. For years, battery costs and luxury positioning kept EVs out of reach for the average buyer. But thanks to hefty tax credits and big manufacturer incentives, the tables finally turned at least for a couple of months. It’s the kind of shift that shows how fast the EV market can change when price becomes less of a barrier.

In August, the average EV sold for $44,908, while gas cars averaged $45,521, according to J.D. Power data. That’s about $600 cheaper. Compare that to early 2023, when EVs cost over $16,000 more on average, and you can see why analysts are calling this a turning point. As Tyson Jominy, senior VP of data and analytics at J.D. Power, put it:

“It is fairly recent and rare that we’re actually seeing EV transaction prices fall below ICE.”

The deals were no accident. Automakers stacked cash on the hood to move inventory before tax credits expired. Add in federal incentives, and buyers scored some serious bargains. Incentives hit record highs at nearly $7,500 per EV in August, compared to $2,500 for gas cars. The average savings from federal tax credits jumped to $5,124 in 2024, up from $4,302 the year before. Leasing became the go-to move, since all EV leases qualified for the full $7,500 credit. By July, leases made up 70% of EV transactions. For buyers who never thought they’d see EVs priced below gas models, this was a rare window.

But don’t expect this price gap to stick. With the EV tax credit sunsetting and political winds shifting, automakers are already signaling supply cuts and fewer discounts. J.D. Power expects EVs to climb back above gas vehicle prices as early as next year. Still, the short-term surge is undeniable: EVs made up 9.9% of U.S. sales in August, the highest ever, according to Cox Automotive. That echoes what happened in Norway and China when EVs undercut gas vehicles. Norway used incentives to push EVs to nearly 90% market share, while China saw annual sales jump eightfold between 2018 and 2024 as costs fell. The U.S., though, still lags with only two models under $30,000 compared to 50 gas-powered options.

Affordability is the missing link for mainstream adoption. Surveys show that cost, more than charging or range anxiety, is the biggest reason Americans hesitate on EVs. As long as large trucks and SUVs dominate the market, battery packs will need to be bigger, and that drives prices higher. Still, as battery tech improves and more budget-friendly models hit showrooms, parity with gas cars will come back for good.

Even if this summer proves to be a blip, the long game looks strong. Battery prices continue to fall, charging infrastructure keeps expanding, and every major automaker has long-term EV commitments they can’t just abandon. More affordable EVs like the new Nissan Leaf and upcoming electric trucks are entering the market, and when supply finally catches up with demand, the price gap will close naturally. As Jominy summed it up:

“In the short term, EVs will probably, at best, go sideways. But over the long term, we are still optimistic about EVs. We do not believe that this is the end.”

For now, EV shoppers in the U.S. are in a rare sweet spot. Lower prices, fat incentives, and the chance to get behind the wheel of something faster, cleaner, and future-proof. But once the credits expire and discounts disappear, the scales will tip back. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to switch, this might be the best deal window you’ll see for years.

 

Source: InsideEVs

LiFe-Younger unveils iTrailer MAX megawatt-level mobile charging system

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LiFe-Younger unveils iTrailer MAX megawatt-level mobile charging system
LiFe-Younger unveils iTrailer MAX megawatt-level mobile charging system

China-based energy storage firm LiFe-Younger has launched its iTrailer MAX, a megawatt-level mobile charging system for industrial vehicles and equipment.

The iTrailer MAX integrates high power output, energy storage, flexible deployment and off-grid capability for rapid deployment and efficient charging, according to the company.

It uses the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) interface, offering a maximum output power of 1.5 MW. It features a built-in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system, which has a capacity of 300 kWh and can support frequent charge-discharge cycles over a lifespan of more than 5,000 cycles for off-grid operation. The unit is equipped with an 800 kW, liquid-cooled DC system for stable performance when managing high loads.

An optional second CCS1 or CCS2 connector allows flexible charging for various industrial vehicles to reduce charging time and enables bidirectional energy flow.

The trailer’s modular architecture supports customization and multi-interface output, and its plug-and-play deployment capabilities enable its use in a variety of work sites.

The unit has an overall protection rating of IP54 and the battery system is rated at IP67, offering robust resistance to water, dust and shock to provide stable performance in outdoor environments that have high humidity, dust or temperature extremes.

The iTrailer MAX can be deployed as a mobile energy node at logistics hubs, transfer stations or highway service areas to reduce charging wait times and improve fleet efficiency. In environments with limited grid access or frequent relocation, such as mines and construction sites, it offers an alternative to traditional diesel generators.

Source: LiFe-Younger

Wasaline chooses Wärtsilä for marine battery hybrid system project

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Wasaline chooses Wärtsilä for marine battery hybrid system project
Wasaline chooses Wärtsilä for marine battery hybrid system project

Finnish energy and marine equipment manufacturer Wärtsilä has been selected as the electrical integrator for a battery extension project for the Wasaline ROPAX ferry Aurora Botnia, which operates between Vaasa, Finland and Umeå, Sweden.

The Aurora Botnia ferry, which is operated by Wasaline, is equipped with dual-fuel engines and batteries. It uses biogas and batteries for propulsion. The project will increase the ship’s battery capacity by 10.4 MWh, from 2.2 MWh to 12.6 MWh.

Wärtsilä will lead the integration project. It will also deliver the energy management system, upgrade the power drives and perform the control system integration. The system is scheduled to be commissioned in early 2026.

The Aurora Botnia is acting as a floating test lab linked to Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub. It allows further development of hybrid technologies to optimize fuel efficiency and minimize exhaust emissions.

The Aurora Botnia, which entered service in 2021, operates with a range of integrated Wärtsilä solutions, including four highly efficient Wärtsilä 31DF engines. The ultra-low-emissions version of the engine has helped the ferry to significantly reduce methane emissions.

Source: Wärtsilä

Stellantis begins road testing of IBIS battery-integrated electric system

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Stellantis has begun real-world road testing of a prototype Peugeot E-3008 equipped with an Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS), which embeds inverter and charger functions directly into the battery pack. The […]

The post Stellantis begins road testing of IBIS battery-integrated electric system appeared first on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Tesla Model Y Could Get Nearly 450 Miles of Range With Panasonic’s New Battery Tech

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The Tesla Model Y just got a slick refresh this year with the “Juniper” update. It looks sharper, drives better, and has improved suspension. But the biggest upgrade might still be a couple of years away. If Panasonic delivers on its new battery tech, the Model Y could see a range boost that puts it in an entirely new class.

Panasonic Energy, Tesla’s main high-voltage battery supplier, revealed it’s developing a new type of cell that could raise energy density to record levels. The key is an anode-free design. Instead of relying on graphite, which adds bulk and cost while tying supply chains to China, Panasonic wants to ditch it completely. That frees up space for more active materials like nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The result could be lighter, smaller, and cheaper packs that store more energy.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The rear-wheel-drive Model Y currently offers about 357 miles of EPA range. With anode-free cells, Panasonic says that figure could jump by almost 90 miles, putting the crossover just under 450 miles on a single charge.

“We are working toward world-leading battery capacity by the end of 2027,” Panasonic Energy stated, according to Reuters.

That kind of range would put Tesla’s best-seller shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like the Lucid Gravity and GM’s electric trucks, which rely on massive 200+ kWh battery packs. The difference is the Model Y could deliver similar range with a smaller, more efficient pack.

Panasonic isn’t alone in chasing this breakthrough. QuantumScape is working on similar chemistry with Volkswagen. Michigan-based Our Next Energy has tested dual-chemistry packs that once promised 600 miles in a BMW iX prototype. Still, if Panasonic brings this to mass production by 2027 as promised, Tesla could be one of the first to scale it.

There’s another angle too. Instead of only chasing higher range, Panasonic hinted that anode-free tech could be used to build smaller, cheaper packs while keeping today’s range numbers. That would cut cost and weight, helping Tesla stay competitive as rivals prepare new models like the revamped Nissan Leaf, next-gen Chevy Bolt, and Rivian’s R2 SUV.

Tesla might be talking a lot about AI and robotics these days, but its cars remain the backbone of the business. Giving its most popular model nearly 450 miles of real-world range would be a straightforward way to remind buyers why Tesla is still the benchmark.

 

Source: Reuters

LG Technology Ventures invests in WeaveGrid to advance EV-grid integration

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LG Technology Ventures invests in WeaveGrid to advance EV-grid integration
LG Technology Ventures invests in WeaveGrid to advance EV-grid integration

WeaveGrid has announced a strategic investment from LG Technology Ventures, the venture capital branch of LG Group. The investment aims to advance WeaveGrid’s grid-interactive vehicle management platform, which enables EVs manufacturers and utility companies to securely integrate EVs into the electric grid. LG Technology Ventures says it is bringing energy storage expertise to WeaveGrid’s cohort of strategic partners, bolstering its development of solutions that connect EVs and batteries with grid operations.

The WeaveGrid platform utilizes artificial intelligence and patented software to manage grid-integrated EV charging, while maximizing grid stability and the value of EV battery storage. Its EV Management System enables utilities to implement advanced vehicle-to-grid integration and distribution-integrated smart charging orchestration with high data security and privacy throughout these processes.

“LG Technology Ventures recognizes the critical importance of intelligent software platforms in unlocking the full potential of EV batteries as grid assets,” said LG Technology Ventures CEO Dong-Su Kim. “WeaveGrid’s proven ability to securely orchestrate EV charging while optimizing grid stability aligns perfectly with our vision of batteries serving as dynamic energy resources. This investment strengthens our commitment to supporting the infrastructure needed for widespread EV adoption.”

The investment adds LG Technology Ventures to WeaveGrid’s list of automotive and energy sector backers, which already includes Woven Capital (Toyota Motor’s fund), Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation. The platform targets both automakers and utilities seeking to leverage EVs as distributed energy resources.

“With our growing ecosystem of automotive partners, this collaboration enables us to optimize battery performance at both the vehicle and grid level,” said WeaveGrid’s CEO Apoorv Bhargava. “As we advance vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-everything capabilities, we’ll unlock significantly more value for EV drivers while delivering a superior charging experience that maximizes both battery life and grid benefits.”

Source: WeaveGrid

Plasmatreat shares battery manufacturing technology breakthroughs

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Plasmatreat shares battery manufacturing technology breakthroughs
Plasmatreat shares battery manufacturing technology breakthroughs

Germany-based Plasmatreat is showcasing its Openair-Plasma and PlasmaPlus technologies, designed to help manufacturers overcome EV battery production challenges including adhesion, corrosion, contact reliability and insulation.

Openair-Plasma enables dry, inline plasma treatment to prepare metals, foils and polymers for high-strength bonding and sealing without primers or wet chemicals. The result is uniform surface energy and robust adhesion across pouch, cylindrical and prismatic formats. Plasma activation creates high-energy surfaces that dramatically improve adhesion between cells. This enables structural bonds and thermally conductive joints to produce safer, stronger modules that deliver more effective heat dissipation, according to the company.

Openair-Plasma systems are equipped with PlasmaPlus for nanocoating, which allows the vaporization of a liquid additive at room temperature. The liquid can be introduced into the plasma using a carrier gas in a precisely reproducible manner.

The company’s plasma-applied AntiCorr nanocoatings protect EV battery packs from heat, salt and moisture. The transparent, ultra-thin 25-500 nm film resists acidic, alkaline and electrolyte exposure, and delivers 960 hours of salt spray protection, meeting the DIN ISO 9227 standard on aluminum die-cast alloys without corrosion or seal migration.

Plasma treatment also enables direct coating applications as an alternative to costly film wrapping.

All Plasmatreat plasma processes are free of volatile organic compounds, fully automatable and production-ready. No drying times or intermediate storage are required, enabling manufacturers to integrate them into high-volume production lines.

“Power starts at the surface—and so do failure points,” said Hardev Grewal, President and CEO at Plasmatreat North America. “Our plasma technologies are enabling OEMs and suppliers to engineer those surfaces for strength, conductivity, and long-term durability—without adding costly, chemical-intensive steps to production.”

Source: Plasmatreat

Solving for heat, wibration and weight: the evolving demands on EV cable protection

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Solving for heat, wibration and weight: the evolving demands on EV cable protection
Solving for heat, wibration and weight: the evolving demands on EV cable protection

The surge in electric vehicle adoption has spotlighted high-performance braided sleeving manufacturers as automakers push for solutions that can keep pace with rapidly advancing technology. With higher voltages, faster charging speeds and growing power demands, EV cables are under more stress than ever.

Cable protection prevents overheating, reduces wear from constant movement and ensures reliable energy transfer across the system. Beyond performance, proper sleeving and harness design directly impact safety and regulatory compliance. It is a top priority for manufacturers seeking to build vehicles that are efficient and trusted by consumers.

The Heat Challenge in EV Cables

High-voltage charging systems and the push for longer driving ranges expose EV cables to extreme temperatures that test the limits of traditional insulation. When insulation breaks down under the heat stress, it creates risks of resistance changes that can decrease resistance. This causes dangerous current surges, shortened battery life and even fire hazards.

To combat these threats, manufacturers use advanced materials — such as high-temperature polymers, specialized coatings and protective jackets — to withstand prolonged heat exposure and enhance thermal management. Precision winding techniques are also vital because they improve heat dissipation, which ensures cables remain reliable and safe under the harshest operating conditions.

Battling Vibrations in Harsh Conditions

Constant road vibrations put EV cables under continuous stress, often leading to gradual wear, tiny cracks in insulation and failures at connector points that can disrupt performance. These issues raise safety concerns and increase long-term maintenance costs for manufacturers and drivers. To reduce these risks, engineers use abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced harness designs that add strength and flexibility where needed.

In particular, braided sleeving for wire harnesses provides durable protection against friction and movement, ensuring cables remain secure and reliable in harsh driving conditions. By prioritizing vibration protection, EV makers can extend vehicle lifespan, improve system reliability and deliver more dependable electric mobility.

The Pressure to Reduce Weight

Lightweighting has become a central focus for EV manufacturers because every added kilogram directly impacts efficiency and driving range. Extra mass requires more energy for acceleration and hill climbing, which drains the battery faster and reduces the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. Engineers can explore lightweight materials, such as aluminum conductors, advanced composites and compact wire harnesses that reduce bulk without sacrificing performance.

The trade-off lies in ensuring these lighter options can still deliver the durability, safety and thermal resistance needed in demanding EV environments. Protective solutions like braided sleeving for wire harnesses support this balance by safeguarding slimmer, lighter designs against abrasion and wear. They allow suppliers to achieve efficiency gains without compromising reliability.

Innovations Driving EV Cable Protection

Innovations in EV cable protection transform how manufacturers meet rising performance and efficiency demands. Advanced polymers and nanomaterials are being developed with outstanding heat and chemical resistance, which allows cables to endure harsh conditions without breaking down. Meanwhile, smart cable systems with sensors enable real-time performance monitoring, allowing companies to detect faults early and prevent costly failures.

Modular harness designs are also becoming popular, helping reduce overall vehicle weight while simplifying assembly and maintenance processes. Adding to these advances, precision winding techniques ensure consistent cable structure and boost reliability, making them essential to next-generation EV design.

Leading EV Wire Harness Manufacturers

Choosing the correct wire harness supplier is critical for EV makers striving to balance performance and efficiency. Leading suppliers bring specialized expertise, advanced materials and innovative designs that help vehicles withstand the most challenging operating demands.

1. Atkins & Pearce

Atkins & Pearce stands out in EV wire harness solutions by offering a powerful blend of innovation and customization. With over 200 years of braided textile expertise, the company delivers expandable braided sleeving, electrical sleeving and tubing built from advanced fibers. It also offers functional coatings for thermal and abrasion resistance, ideal for high-voltage EV environments.

Its proprietary precision winding techniques ensure consistent cable structure and reliable performance, enhancing heat dissipation and reducing stress points. By choosing Atkins & Pearce, EV manufacturers gain a trusted partner that marries proven heritage with modern engineering and provides harness solutions that are durable and tailored to the evolving demands of electric mobility.

2. Yazaki 

    Yazaki delivers standout EV wire harness solutions rooted in nearly a century of innovation and unmatched control over every step. It ensures top-tier performance and reliability from raw material development to final production. Its custom-engineered harnesses smoothly integrate power and data networks with minimal splicing and durable connectors, which streamlines vehicle assembly and elevates system integrity.

    Every hybrid vehicle on the road today includes at least one Yazaki high-voltage component — a harness, connector or charge coupler — demonstrating its industry leadership in safe, efficient electrified mobility. With a global presence spanning 46 countries, Yazaki offers responsive support and unmatched scale. It is a trusted partner for EV manufacturers seeking innovation and seamless implementation across markets.

    3. LEONI

      LEONI impresses EV suppliers with a wide range of high-performance wiring systems. These include high-voltage charging harnesses that support rapid charging and currents up to 1,000 amperes and auxiliary and traction harnesses engineered in copper or aluminum for efficient power delivery in demanding EV architectures. Its zonal harnesses simplify complexity by dividing wiring into modular sections, reducing weight and streamlining assembly without sacrificing functionality.

      With full system integration and advanced solutions like rigid busbars for optimized heat dissipation and automated handling, LEONI brings scalability and innovation straight into the electrification era. Its 20 years of experience in electromobility, extensive research and development, and sustainability initiatives make it a reliable, future-ready partner in wiring solutions for EVs.

      Meeting the Core Challenges of EV Cable Protection

      Solving for heat, vibration and weight ensures EV performance and long-term reliability on the road. By leveraging advanced materials and working closely with trusted harness partners, companies can meet the growing technical demands of electrified mobility. Partnering with high-performance braided sleeving manufacturers strengthens cable protection, delivering durability and efficiency that keeps EV systems at their best.

      QuantumScape and PowerCo demonstrate solid-state EV batteries in Ducati electric motorcycle

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      QuantumScape and PowerCo demonstrate solid-state EV batteries in Ducati electric motorcycle
      QuantumScape and PowerCo demonstrate solid-state EV batteries in Ducati electric motorcycle

      Solid-state battery pioneer QuantumScape (QS) and PowerCo, the battery division of the Volkswagen Group, demonstrated QS solid-state lithium-metal batteries powering a Ducati electric motorcycle at the recent IAA Mobility show in Munich. This was the first time QS has showcased its solid-state cells in a real-world vehicle.

      The battery system used in the e-motorcycle was designed by specialists at Audi specifically for QS solid-state battery cells. These QSE-5 anode-free solid-state battery cells, which were produced using the QuantumScape’s new Cobra production process, boast energy density of 844 Wh/L and 10C continuous discharge.

      “Today we’ve crossed the threshold from possibility to reality,” said Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of QS. “We believe that our partnership with PowerCo, together with Ducati as our demonstration launch partner, positions us to scale our transformative technology to gigawatt-hour production.”

      “Solid-state batteries will redefine what’s possible for high-performance, premium vehicles, and today’s demonstration is just the beginning,” said Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo. “We’re combining QuantumScape’s world-class battery scientists with PowerCo’s manufacturing expertise to bring solid-state battery technology to the world as soon as possible.”

      In June 2025, QS integrated its proprietary Cobra separator manufacturing process into baseline production. QS and PowerCo recently expanded their non-exclusive collaboration and licensing arrangement that includes up to $131 million in new milestone-based payments over the next two years, an essential step in scaling manufacturing and enabling higher-volume prototype cell deliveries to PowerCo.

      Source: QuantumScape